Cargolux orders 14th Boeing 747-400 Freighter

Boeing and European freight carrier Cargolux Airlines International finalized an order for Cargolux's 14th Boeing 747-400 freighter on the same day last week that the Luxembourg-based carrier took delivery of its newest 747-400F.

The airplane delivered last week is named after the city of Bertrange. It is Cargolux's 13th 747-400F. The carrier will receive its 14th in October 2005.

"Our new 747s will help us to respond optimally to increasing demand for cargo shipments," said Ulrich Ogiermann, president and chief executive officer of Cargolux. "Boeing's freighters have proven their value to Cargolux. On average we operate these airplanes over 16 block-hours a day."

The airline, founded in 1970, ordered its first Boeing airplane, a 747-200 Freighter, in 1977 and its first new 747-400 Freighter in 1990. Despite difficult market conditions and heavy competition, Cargolux reported an operating result of US$65 million last year.